2012 Ram 3500HD - Big Timer

When Only a Heavy-Duty Dualie Will Do

Asking Justin Veit of Phoenix, why he chose to build this mammoth Ram 3500HD, he told us, “As soon as I sold my last lifted Chevy dualie I missed it, so I bought an old 7.3L F-350 dualie. I already had a custom ½-ton Ram and liked it, so I decided to build its big brother.” Needing a truck to tow projects, haul parts, and carry his three kids, Justin picked up a '12 Ram HD and began to go crazy with upgrade after upgrade. After a short three months, he had himself a tow pig any of us would be proud to be seen in.

Lucky Luciano Custom Paint, also in Phoenix, has painted several of Justin's previous builds, so it was an easy decision to drop off the truck with simple instructions—two tone it with airbrushed clowns, a nod to Justin's insane clown cover truck in 2009. Once in Lucky's talented team's care, the Ram was stripped and masked off for a topcoat in Cadillac Black Diamond with a lower coat in Toyota Blizzard Pearl White. In between the two pigments are a series of menacing clowns and skulls, one of which is ready for the apocalypse with a gas mask strapped on. Red and silver pinstriping add to the detail.

With the paint dry, the HD was driven straight to Total Auto Pros, in Phoenix. There, Justin and John Trevino set out a plan to make the Ram extra large. First up, an 8-inch McGaughy's lift kit was added, along with Bilstein shocks. For superior towing and safety, a Firestone Ride-Rite helper airbag was installed out back. Thanks to the new fender clearance, Total Auto Pros was able to add 22-inch American Force Fusion wheels mounted to Nitto's latest off-road tire, the Trail Grappler M/T. To really make the Ram look menacing and ready for anything, front and rear bumpers from Road Armor were bolted on after Lucky Luciano painted them to match. A Smittybilt X20 12,000-pound winch, Smittybilt D-rings, Anzo LED spotlights, and Rigid LED cubes inside the square light holes complete the bumper package. Resting behind the Road Armor bumper is a Paramount Restyling billet grille featuring 4mm and 8mm bars for a 3D look. The leading edge is both intimidating and functional—a perfect combination. Up top, a large roof rack was installed and provided the perfect mounting location for the 50-inch Anzo LED lightbar.

Inside the crew cab, Bell Auto Upholstery, in Phoenix, pulled the cloth seats and covered them in black and white leather with diamond stitching. Diamond stitching can also be found on the door panels, while black suede covers the headliner. Lucky Luciano splashed white paint onto the dash to get rid of the boring black plastic, and Total Auto Pros mounted the Firestone helper 'bag controller on the dash. Powering the Cummins turbo diesel is an H&S Mini Maxx, while an Airaid intake and Flo-Pro exhaust help it breathe easier.

A five-hour shakedown drive out to Las Vegas for the SEMA show gave Justin all the validation he needed that a diesel dualie just can't be beat. His most recent Ram 3500HD project is also proof that with the right amount of parts and know-how, your tow rig can also be your show truck, daily driver, and kid-hauler.